Creating one of Michigan‘s largest Multi-Specialty Physician Groups

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — After months of review, IHA, the area’s leading physician group practice, and Michigan Multispecialty Physicians (MMP) PC, the area’s leading, private multi-specialty group practice, both of Ann Arbor, Mich., are pleased to announce they have formally signed a Letter of Intent to integrate both organizations. The integration is expected to be effective June 30, 2013.

The proposed integration links IHA’s well-established, thirty-five primary and specialty care offices with MMP’s extensive specialty and sub-specialty service practices, providing a framework and structure to proactively advance clinical integration and patient-centered care.

“This initiative is one of the many ways IHA is transforming itself into one of the nation’s leading multi-specialty group practices,” said Bill Fileti, IHA’s president and CEO. “Highly collaborative and large multi-specialty groups not only deliver quality health care at a lower cost, but also are better prepared to address the rapid changes in health care delivery. We believe that this integration is in the best interest of the patients we serve, which, in the very near future, will exceed 340,000 active patients across southeast Michigan,” adds Fileti.

MMP’s Board Chairman and pathologist, Dr. Paul Valenstein, said, “By combining our strengths, IHA and MMP will serve as a national model for evolving multi-specialty physician practices. The public wants healthcare that is sensible, affordable, and responsive, and we intend to provide it.”

Dr. Mary Durfee, IHA’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, noted that, “By working off a common clinical infrastructure with shared, best-practice care protocols, a combined IHA and MMP will deliver better, more coordinated care for our patients. The success of this integration comes from a shared vision and strong desire to bring value, both clinically and financially, to our patients.”

“Leveraging our respective strengths will allow us to provide unparalleled patient satisfaction with enhanced capabilities to meet patients’ needs,” said John M. Emerson, president and CEO, MMP. “Collectively, we believe we have demonstrated our leadership in executing national health reform initiatives and look forward to effectively adapting to the changing health care landscape. And, as one seamless organization we plan to lead the region with an unrivaled depth and breadth of services in both primary and specialty care.”

About IHA
IHA is one of the largest, fully integrated physician group practices in southeast Michigan, with best-in-class performance in care outcomes, patient loyalty and value. IHA has more than 310 providers, including: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives in 35 practices. IHA provides high-quality medical care and excellent service to more than 291,000 active patients. IHA’s employed physician, nursing and support staff totals more than 1,250 professionals.

Recognized as one of Michigan‘s top performing, clinical-quality medical groups, IHA also ranks in the top 20th percentile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, After Hours Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. IHA is an operating subsidiary of the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a member of Trinity Health. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com

About Michigan Multispecialty Physicians
MMP enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality, safety and patient loyalty and is actively involved in the medical education programs at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. It has 54 physicians and five advanced practitioners and a staff of 126 professionals in offices across Washtenaw, Livingston and Wayne counties. MMP is the largest, private specialty practice in the greater Ann Arbor area. It offers cardiovascular, thoracic, general, breast, colorectal, vascular and urology surgery as well as neurology, pulmonology and pathology services. MMP’s main clinical offices are housed in the Reichert Health Building on the St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor campus. For more information about MMP, visit www.mmphealthcare.com.

SOURCE IHA